On July 28, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it would award more than $273 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants. $3.6 million has been promised to the Texarkana Regional Airport for the construction of a new terminal building.
“Texarkana Regional Airport has a major grant coming its way from @USDOT. I’m designating $3.6 million to reconstruct its terminal building, in addition to five more airport grants around the State. Glad to help the people of Arkansas!” tweeted United States President Donald J. Trump.
Airport officials have previously stated that the new terminal is expected to be completed by spring of 2024.
Two days later, the Texarkana Regional Airport Authority Board members tentatively approved a $1,342,283 budget for Calendar Year 2021. Bringing their operations and maintenance budget slightly more than this year’s $1.2 million price tag.
However, next year’s budget already projects an overall shortfall of about $248,000. To make up for the shortfall, airport officials will be asking both Texarkana’s if they can help with the difference.
Texarkana, Texas, is expected to be asked for about $136,000, while the request from Texarkana, Arkansas, is believed to be at around $112,000. Those figures were based on each cities’ population.
Texas side will be considering its portion of the projected shortfall first since it operates on a fiscal year budget. The Arkansas side will consider its share later in the year since they work on a calendar year budget cycle.
When it comes to the $3.6 million federal grant, Airport Executive Director Paul Mehrlich said, funds will help pay for the first phase of the 40,000-square-foot building’s construction. This first phase would include the building’s foundation, including ground utilities such as heating, air, electricity, and water.
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